大阪和东京在经济学人智库2026年全球宜居城市指数中分别排名第7和第10，是亚洲仅有的两座进入前十的城市[1]。这一成就背后，体现了日本城市设计的四项核心原则：围绕日常生活建设城市、为所有人设计交通系统、保护地方特色，以及居民的集体配合意识[1]。
日本在交通无障碍方面的实践尤为突出。自2006年颁布《无障碍法》后，到2020年已有九成以上高流量车站消除了爬楼梯的需求[1]。黄色盲道正是日本工程师宫下精一在1967年的发明，凭借其实用价值，在短短十年内便成为日本国家铁路网的强制配置[1]。日本城市拥有完善的公共交通网络，无缝连接购物街、步行购物等日常生活设施，形成高效便捷的购物环境[1]。
Japan has established itself as a leader in urban livability, with Osaka and Tokyo ranking among the world's most habitable cities. In the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2026 Global Liveability Index, Osaka secured seventh place while Tokyo rose three positions to tenth, making them the only two Asian cities to break into the top ten.[1]
The success of Japanese urban design rests on several foundational principles. Cities are built around the rhythms of daily life, with transportation systems deliberately designed to serve all residents regardless of ability.[1] Following the passage of the Accessibility Law in 2006, Japan made significant progress in removing physical barriers—by 2020, over ninety percent of high-traffic stations had eliminated the need to climb stairs to access platforms.[1] The yellow tactile guidance tiles that guide visually impaired pedestrians, invented by Japanese engineer Seiichi Miyashita in 1967, became mandatory across Japan's national railway network within a decade.[1] Japanese cities maintain distinctive local character while offering comprehensive public transportation networks that seamlessly connect shopping streets, walkable retail areas, and rail transit.[1] The livability of these urban centers also reflects a broader commitment to collective cooperation among residents.[1]